A breast self exam is used primarily to determine if there are any lumps or bumps present in the breast tissue. A breast self examination is the most useful way for one to determine if they have any abnormalities and should be conducted regularly to make sure that there are no lumps. Contrary to popular belief women are not the only ones at risk of getting breast cancer and men are also susceptible to this disease. Conducting a breast self-exam is a painless process and takes less than five minutes. This also helps you familiarize yourself with what you breast feels and looks like thus making it easier to look out for any abnormalities.

To do a breast self examination first of all you must be in a very calm and relaxed mood. Remove any clothing from the waist up and lie flat on your back allowing the breast tissue to evenly spread across the chest. Take the ring finger, middle finger and the index finger of our left hand and not the finger tips and place them across the right breast. Make sure that your right palm is tucked under your head as if it were supporting your head. Now slowly in a circular motion feel using light pressure first feel the top layer for any lumps. Start from the center of the breast and move towards the outer area in a slow even manner. Start over again this time applying medium pressure feeling the inner layer of breast tissue for any abnormalities and once completed repeat the same procedure with slightly more pressure.

Once you have finished with the right breast remove the right hand from under your head and this time place your left hand under your head. With you’re previously mentioned fingers of your right hand now examine your left breast. Follow the same procedure as you did earlier when you examined the left breast.

In case you come across any lumps or bumps consult your doctor immediately. He would recommend a mammogram if required and medication. Remember the earlier you are able to find out if you have breast cancer the easier it is to cure.